A green meter is a bidirectional energy meter for solar system owners in Pakistan. It measures both electricity you consume from the grid and excess solar power you export. This guide explains what a green meter is, how to apply, and what it costs.
Green meters enable net metering - you can sell surplus solar energy to your electricity company and earn credits on your bill. All major DISCOs (LESCO, MEPCO, FESCO, GEPCO, IESCO) support green meter connections.
What is a green meter?
A green meter is a bidirectional digital meter that records:
- Import: Units consumed from the grid (normal usage)
- Export: Units generated by your solar system and sent to the grid
Your monthly bill calculates the difference. If you export more than you import, you earn credits. This is the foundation of net metering in Pakistan.
Regular meter vs green meter
| Feature | Regular meter | Green meter |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Records only consumption | Records consumption AND export |
| Solar compatible | No | Yes |
| Net metering | Not possible | Enables bill credits |
| Digital display | May be analog | Always digital |
| Cost | Included in connection | Rs 15,000-25,000 additional |
Requirements for green meter
To apply for a green meter connection:
Documents required
- CNIC copy of applicant
- Property ownership proof (registry, allotment letter, or utility bill)
- Recent electricity bill
- Solar system design and single-line diagram
- Equipment specifications (panels, inverter)
- Certificate from AEDB-registered installer
System requirements
- Minimum 1 kW solar system
- Grid-tie inverter (must be NEPRA-approved)
- Proper earthing and safety disconnects
- Installation by certified installer
How to apply for green meter
Step 1: DISCO application
Submit your application at your local DISCO office or their online portal:
| DISCO | Portal | Areas |
|---|---|---|
| LESCO | lesco.gov.pk | Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura |
| MEPCO | mepco.com.pk | Multan, South Punjab |
| FESCO | fesco.com.pk | Faisalabad, Sargodha |
| GEPCO | gepco.com.pk | Gujranwala, Sialkot |
| IESCO | iesco.com.pk | Islamabad, Rawalpindi |
Submit documents and pay the application fee (around Rs 1,000-2,000).
Step 2: Technical inspection
DISCO engineers will:
- Visit your site
- Verify system specifications
- Check safety compliance
- Approve or request modifications
Timeline: 2-4 weeks after application.
Step 3: NEPRA license (if needed)
- Systems up to 25 kW: DISCO handles registration directly
- Systems above 25 kW: Apply for generation license at NEPRA
Step 4: Meter installation
After approval:
- DISCO replaces your existing meter with a green meter
- Meter is programmed for bidirectional reading
- Connection is tested and activated
Step 5: Net metering agreement
Sign the net metering agreement with your DISCO. This specifies:
- Buyback rate for exports
- Billing calculation method
- Contract duration
Green meter costs
Meter cost
- Single-phase green meter: Rs 15,000-20,000
- Three-phase green meter: Rs 20,000-30,000
Complete system cost (with solar)
| System size | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| 3 kW | Rs 300,000-450,000 |
| 5 kW | Rs 500,000-750,000 |
| 10 kW | Rs 1,000,000-1,400,000 |
| 15 kW | Rs 1,500,000-2,000,000 |
Costs include panels, inverter, green meter, wiring, and installation. Prices vary by brand and installer.
Earnings from green meter
Under NEPRA’s net billing system (effective 2026):
| Export | Rate | Monthly credit |
|---|---|---|
| 100 units | ~Rs 11/unit | ~Rs 1,100 |
| 200 units | ~Rs 11/unit | ~Rs 2,200 |
| 300 units | ~Rs 11/unit | ~Rs 3,300 |
| 500 units | ~Rs 11/unit | ~Rs 5,500 |
Note: The previous 1:1 net metering (export = import credit) was replaced by net billing in 2026. See our Net Metering Pakistan guide for details.
Benefits of green meter
- Lower electricity bills: Offset grid consumption with solar
- Export credits: Earn money for excess generation
- Energy independence: Less affected by load shedding
- Environmental: Reduce carbon footprint
- Property value: Solar-ready homes have higher resale value
Common issues and solutions
Application delays
- Issue: DISCO taking too long
- Solution: Follow up at SDO office, file complaint at helpline
Meter not recording exports
- Issue: Exports showing zero
- Solution: Check inverter grid-tie settings, verify meter programming
Low buyback rate
- Issue: Credits less than expected
- Solution: This is the current NEPRA rate. Consider self-consumption optimization
System approval rejected
- Issue: DISCO rejected application
- Solution: Review technical requirements, hire certified installer
Tips for green meter applicants
- Choose quality equipment: Invest in tier-1 panels and reliable inverters
- Use certified installer: AEDB-registered installers know DISCO requirements
- Right-size your system: Match system to your consumption for best ROI
- Keep copies: Maintain all documents and approvals
- Monitor regularly: Track generation and export through inverter app
Related guides
- Net Metering Pakistan - Complete net metering/billing rules
- 3 Phase Meter Pakistan - Three-phase connection guide
- Electricity Tariff Slabs Pakistan - Understand your bill rates
- Bijli Bill Check Online - Check your electricity bill
Disclaimer
Green meter costs, buyback rates, and procedures change periodically. The figures above are approximate based on 2026 data. Contact your local DISCO for current requirements and costs. GoPunjab is an independent information site, not affiliated with NEPRA, AEDB, or any DISCO.